Maaja Vadi (; born 4 November 1955) is an Estonian management scholar and psychologist. She is Professor of Management at the University of Tartu and has held senior leadership roles at the university, including serving as dean of the universityâÂÂs economics and business faculty (2011âÂÂ2014).
Vadi has received EstoniaâÂÂs state research award in the social sciences (2007) and the Order of the White Star, IV Class (2019). In 2020 she received the Estonian Academy of Sciences Medal, and in 2025 she and Priit Vahter received the Mihhail Bronà ¡tein Award in Economics.
Vadi was born and raised on the island of Kihnu. She studied psychology at the University of Tartu and later completed graduate work in economics at the same university; in 2000 she defended a doctoral dissertation on links between organisational culture and national culture.
After working as a psychologist in EstoniaâÂÂs trade sector, Vadi joined the University of TartuâÂÂs economics faculty in 1992 and progressed through academic ranks, becoming Professor of Management in 2003. She was elected dean in 2011 and served until 2014. In 2016 she was elected head of the School of Economics and Business Administration.
Her research has focused on organisational culture and values, organisational behaviour, innovation and management practice, including cross-cultural aspects of management and work values. EstoniaâÂÂs public broadcaster ERR has described her as one of the initiators of organisational behaviour research and management terminology development in Estonia, noting her role as author of widely used textbooks in the field.
Vadi has been active in international scholarly service, including roles in the International Society for the Study of Work and Organizational Values (ISSWOV). She has also participated in international academic events outside Estonia, including workshops hosted by foreign business schools.